The Bihar government on Tuesday transferred the Superintendents of Police of Siwan and Bhojpur districts after controversy over police action during student protests and an alleged fake encounter, officials said. Siwan SP Puran Kumar Jha has been kept at police headquarters awaiting posting while Bhojpur SP Raj has been sent to neighbouring Rohtas district.
Suspension after viral video
The move came after a purported video circulated showing a police constable allegedly using an AK-47 rifle during a student protest in Siwan on July 25 over the NEET paper leak. The state has suspended constable Abhishek Kumar, the government told the Supreme Court on Tuesday in proceedings linked to petitions alleging police excesses during protests over exam paper leaks.
In its submission to the apex court, the Bihar government said the constable fired four rounds from his AK-47 after he felt "trapped and surrounded by protestors" and that the shots were fired in the air. The state maintained that no one was injured in the firing.
Transfers part of wider reshuffle
The transfers come amid a larger reshuffle under the Samrat Choudhary government in which 18 Indian Police Service officers were moved, according to a notification from the state home department. The notification also named Hridaya Kant as SP of Nalanda, and indicated a change in Saran where Vinit Kumar will be replaced by Roushan Kumar, who was SP of Rohtas.
| Officer | Previous Posting | New Posting / Status |
|---|---|---|
| Puran Kumar Jha | SP, Siwan | Kept at police headquarters (awaiting posting) |
| Raj | SP, Bhojpur | Posted as SP, Rohtas |
| Abhishek Kumar | Constable | Suspended |
| Hridaya Kant | — | SP, Nalanda |
| Roushan Kumar | SP, Rohtas | SP, Saran |
Background to the controversies
The Siwan incident followed protests by students over the alleged leak of the NEET examination paper. The protests were reported to have been linked with demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi organised by supporters of a movement identified in reports as the Cockroach Janta Party-led campaign.
Separately, Bhojpur SP Raj faced public criticism in connection with the death of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, 28, who was reportedly shot five times after allegedly surrendering to police, an incident described in media reports as a suspected fake encounter. That case drew sharp public scrutiny and contributed to the pressure for changes in postings.
Accountability and legal scrutiny
The government's filing in the Supreme Court indicates authorities are treating the Siwan firing as an incident requiring review while defending the immediate steps taken. The suspension of the constable reflects administrative action pending further inquiry; the transfer of senior officers is part of the broader personnel changes announced by the home department.
- Key developments: Siwan SP Puran Kumar Jha moved to police headquarters; Bhojpur SP Raj posted to Rohtas.
- Disciplinary action: Constable Abhishek Kumar suspended after alleged firing of four rounds from an AK-47.
- Legal context: State told the Supreme Court the shots were fired in the air and nobody was hurt.
Implications for policing and protests
The incidents have reignited debate over police crowd-control tactics and the use of firearms during civil protests. Student unrest over exam leaks has prompted demonstrations across states, and the Siwan episode has added pressure on the Bihar government to show transparency in inquiries.
Human rights and legal observers often note that transfers and suspensions are initial administrative steps; enquiries and court proceedings determine culpability and corrective action. The Supreme Court's involvement ensures the matter will receive judicial scrutiny beyond internal departmental probes.
As the state proceeds with the reshuffle of its senior police leadership, officials will need to balance operational continuity with ensuring public confidence in the police response to demonstrations and alleged excesses. The next steps will depend on the outcomes of internal investigations and any judicial orders arising from the petitions before the Supreme Court.
